Mindanao Daily News (March 15, 2013 Issue)

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Church adopts poll strategy for mining, coal plant issues VOL. 2, No. 253

By Allen V. Estabillo

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews) — Calling it an effective strategy in educating local voters, Catholic Church leaders are adopting the controversial “Team Patay-Team Buhay” campaign of the Diocese of Bacolod to highlight local mining and environment-related issues in the upcoming May 13 elections.

Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez of the Diocese of Marbel said Wednesday they decided to post tarpaulins containing the names of

Cagayan de Oro City

candidates who favor and oppose the planned openpit mining activity in South Cotabato and the construction of the coal-fired power plant in Sarangani Province.

Dubbed “Team PaborTeam Ayaw” campaign, he said the move aims to educate local voters regarding the stand of candidates on the US$ 5.9-billion Tampakan copper-gold project of foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) and the coal-fired power plant project of the Alcantara-led Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC).

“We’re not endorsing any candidate. We just want to

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March 15, 2013

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guide our voters in making the right choices come election day,” the bishop said.

Gutierrez said the “Team Pabor-Team Ayaw” tarpaulins will be raised in front of parishes and chapels under the Diocese of Marbel.

The diocese covers the provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani as well as the cities of General Santos and Koronadal.

The bishop said they are not setting any limit as to the sizes of the “Team PaborTeam Ayaw” tarpaulins that will be posted. “(The tarpaulins) will be PINOY IMPROVISATION A habal-habal driver hauls timber cut from the forests to as long as you want and as the coastal villages in Hinatuan town in Surigao del Sur where they will be used for fish cages. issues | page 10

Residents resort to using motorcycles to haul their products in lieu of four-wheel vehicles.

Mindanews photo by Keith Bacongco

Laguindingan Airport Special Committee Price cap up for to discuss readiness for April 30 opening goods in Tawi-Tawi

By Mike Banos

MISAMIS ORIENTAL - The readiness of the Laguindingan Airport for its planned April 30 opening will be high on the agenda of the RDC-X Special Committee on the Laguindingan Airport Development Project (LADP) as it meets today at the new airport terminal in the Misamis Oriental municipality.

The proposed opening has been criticized by the

By Bong S. Sarmiento

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews) — Price control measures are being put in place in the island-province of Tawi-Tawi in the aftermath of the Sabah crisis that triggered an increase in prices of basic commodities in the area due to dwindling supplies, an official said Wednesday.

Hadja Pombaen KaronKader, assistant secretary OPENING | page 10 of the Department of Social

Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said that the crisis committee composed of acting ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman and Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sadikul Sahali convened Tuesday to discuss price control regulations.

“There’s a noted increase particularly in the prices of diesel and gasoline which the crisis committee wants to cap,” she told price | page 10

Fortun wants age requisite for NGCP installs BOC-10 awards top 10 importers for 2012 elderly lowered to get pension add’l substation By:GERRY LEE GORIT

By PAT SAMONTE

BUTUAN CITY – ViceMayor Lawrence Lemuel Fortun revealed if elected Agusan del Norte First District congressman in the May, 2013 elections, he will work for the lowering of the age requirement for senior citizens to be eligible for government pension.

In a press statement, Fortun said that under Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, indigent senior citizens aged 77 years and above who are sickly, frail or disabled, and are not

receiving any pension or support from their families, are eligible to receive pension from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“It deserves deep thinking that under RA 9994, the definition of a senior citizen is when he or she reaches 60 years old, yet, the senior citizen only gets to enjoy socialized pension upon reaching the age of 77,” Fortun noted.

According to Fortun, he will work for amending some provisions of RA 9994 to lower the age pension | page 10

capacity for Visayas grid

To keep up with the rapidly growing power demand in Visayas, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has undertaken the Compostela Substation Expansion Project in Cebu.

This project involves the installation of a 150-megavolt ampere (MVA) t ransfor mer, power circuit breakers grid | page 10

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Bureau of Customs District 10 paid tribute to the top 10 importers of the region last year by awarding them on yesterday in a formal program held at the Phividec Industrial Estate in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

District Collector Atty.

Ma. Lourdes V. Mangaoang led the awarding ceremony graced by other bureau officials, the awardees and guests of honor.

Mangaoang said the awards are given “to encourage them to import more.”

Recognized as the top awardee for last year is awards | page 10

Bureau of Customs District 10 Collector Atty. Ma. Lourdes V. Mangaoang awards top importer Jetti represented by CEO Joselito Tibayan Magalona on yesterday during the bureau’s awarding ceremony for its top importers in 2012. With them at the Phividec Industrial Estate’s administration building are deputy collector Marvin Mison and Atty. Javier C. Alpano.

PHOTO BY:GERRY L. GORIT

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Laguindingan Airport Special Committee to discuss readiness for April 30 opening

By MIKE BAÑOS Editor-at-large

THE readiness of the Laguindingan Airport for its planned April 30 opening will be high on the agenda of the RDC-X Special Committee on the Laguindingan Airport Development Project (LADP) as it meets today at the new airport terminal in the Misamis Oriental municipality.

The proposed opening has been criticized by the civil society groups led by the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber) who have repeatedly stressed their opposition to the April 30 date since it would be conducted under “Visual Flight Rules” (VFR) and substantially cut the number of existing flights (up to 70%) now being served by the Lumbia Airport.

However, Civil Aviation Authority of the Phil-

ippines (CAAP) assured last Tuesday civil aviation will be safe even with VFR when landing in Laguindingan which will only have a visibility threshold of 200 meters compared to the 1,500 meters needed for Lumbia Airport because of the latter’s elevation which makes it subject to closure in inclement weather.

Engr. Raul Glorioso, CAAP vice chair, also assured the number of flights now being served by Lumbia

will be matched by Laguindingan when it opens on April 30 even if CAAP will only allow it to operate up to 6PM compared to 10PM for Lumbia.

During his last visit to the city, Pres. Aquino said government is pushing through with the opening of the airport on April 30 to help relieve congestion at the NAIA. Civil aviation currently based in NAIA will be moved to the Sangley air force base with the

Phil. Air Force’s 15th Strike Wing moving to Lumbia and domestic airline operations moving to Laguindingan.

“We have to help the problem in Manila and not wait for accidents to happen,” said Gov. Oscar S. Moreno, chair of the RDCX Special Committee on LADP, during a recent radio interview. “ However, it is civil society’s prerogative to air their concerns and reservations which are valid and I’m sure the Dept. of

Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will consult them to arrive at a consensus that’s acceptable to everyone.”

For the March 15 meeting, LADP Project Management Office Project Manager Engr. Edgardo J. Mangalili will present updates on the LADP’s civil works, the controversial air navigation system and support facilities, operations and maintnance, and the airport’s readiness for the

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AMONG HEIRS WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE OF A REGISTERED LAND Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late FE TAN NERY RAAGAS, who died on August 17, 2009 at Santa Ana, State of California, USA, left a certain PARAPHERNAL PROPERTY and REGISTERED PARCEL OF LAND, situated at Mantibugao, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, and more particularly described as follows, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-55319, Lot 422-D, Psd-10-013749 “A parcel of land (Lot 422-D, Psd-10-013749, being a portion of Lot 422, Pls-854), situated in the Barrio of Mantibugao, Mun. of Manolo Fortich, Prov. Of Bukidnon.

Containing an area of TWENTY TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED NINETY TWO (22,592) square meters more or less, is the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AMONG HEIRS WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE OF A REGISTERED LAND, made and entered into by and among; VICENTE Y. RAAGAS (HEIR-Vendor), of legal age, filipino, widower, residing at California, USA; ANTOINETTE T. RAAGAS BLACKERBY (HEIR-Vendor), of legal age, Filipino, married, residing at Florida, USA; LISA FE T. RAAGAS QUARM (HEIR-Vendor), of legal age, Filipino, married, residing at California, USA; ZUESETTE MAE T. RAAGAS RUSSEL (HEIR-Vendor), of legal age, Filipino, married, residing at Ohio, USA; TOI T. RAAGAS FOUNTAIN (HEIR-Vendor), of legal age, Filipino, married, residing at California, USA; VICENTE GARY T. RAAGAS (HEIRVendor), of legal age, Filipino, married, residing at California, USA; all of the above-named HEIRS-VENDORS are the widower spouse and legitimate and only heirs of the late. REPRESENTED IN THIS ACT by PETER TAN NERY, of legal age, Filipino, married and a resident of Kauswagan, Cagayan de City, via SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY (SPA). That for and in total consideration of the sum of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (PHP150,000.00) Philippine Currency, to them in hand paid by MICHAEL A. KHO and PAUL AGUSTIN KHO, DO HEREBY SELL, TRANSFER AND CONVEY in the manner ABSOLUTE and UNCONDITIONAL the above-described REGISTERED real property unto the said vendee, as per Doc. No. 425; Page No. 85; Book No. VI; Series of 2011, under Notary Public of ATTY. CHUBASCO CENEN T. CAIÑA. MDN: MARCH 8, 15 & 22, 2013

Ms. Charlianne Lapitaje was recently crowned Miss Bukidnon 2013. Ms. Pangantucan-Kor Jeanne Garceskinsa 1st Runner Up, 2nd Runner Up was Ms. Libona-Karla Estorba, 3rd Runner Up Ms. ManoloFortich-Rona Cristy Flores and 4th Runner Up was Ms. Valencia-SwitzelTolo. (Pics by Fredelyn Ragandang.

proposed April 30 opening.

The committee will also discuss the allied projects as follows: power supply (Engr. Julie Real, General Manager, MORESCO-1), water supply (Laguindingan Mayor Oliver L. Ubaub, chair, subcommittee on land use and environment; proposed Laguindingan Seaport (Atty. Edgar C. Pilar, PPA Northern Mindanao District Manager); CIC Road Widening and Upgrading and other major road projects leading to the airport (RD Evelyn T. Barroso, DPWHX); commuication facilities (RD Teodoro D. Buenavista, NTC-X); transport facilities (jeepney, taxi, shuttle bus, etc) to and from the airport (RD Mandangan P. Darimbang, LTFRB-X) and airport security (P/Chief Supt. Catalino B. Rodriguez, PNP-X).

Mayor Ubaub will also render another report on updates of the action plan of the Subcommittee on Land Use and Environment (A-Gi-La Cluster and Integrated Bus Terminal) while DTI-X RD Linda O. Boniao will report on updates on the Action Plan of the Subcommittee on Investment Promotion, Tourism and Employment.

A guided ocular inspection of the airport and its facilities will immediately follow the meeting.

Peace drive

ACTING Police Director PSSupt. Graciano J. Mijares and Nicolas Raagas, president of the Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operations, Inc, (PADPAO) yesterday formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement to jointly engage in collaborative work towards the maintenance of peace and order in the city.

The move was facilitated and witnessed by Councilor Ian Mark Q. Nacaya, chair of the City Council committee on police, fire and public safety, who saw the potential of security guards as force multipliers of the COCPO. Pursuant to the MOA, PADPAO shall mobilize all active members of the organization, including security guards and supervisors to be partners in the maintenance of peace and order and prevention, control and investigation of crimes.

Security guards shall likewise actively support COCPO in promoting good police relations; assist the local police office in crafting new programs or enhancing existing programs on crime prevention, control and investigation; convene security agencies to discuss issues and concerns to enhance its partnership with the local police office and actively participate in policy dialogues, among others.

For its part, COCPO shall design and coordinate programs and activities to enhance the capabilities of PADPAO members to effectively carry out their role as force multipliers and coordinate with its partners in setting up policies and guidelines implementing the components of the partnership programs, among others.

Councilor Nacay a urged the OIC police director to issue the necessary order to all station commanders so that there will be exchanges in downloading of information. The president of PADPAO was likewise requested to issue an advisory to its members regarding the partnership agreement.

Deputy City Director for Operation PSupt Emmanuel T. Hebron and representatives of some security agencies also witnessed the signing of the agreement.(LCR)

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Prefab houses from Japan expected to arrive in Oro

CAGAYAN de Oro City––The city government expects the arrival of 500 prefab houses from Japan anytime soon, City Mayor Vicente Emano said Thursday.

Emano said the prefab houses would be distributed free to beneficiaries at the Balubal Social Housing Relocation Site in Balubal, southeast of the city.

He said the city government has started to send earth moving equipment to clear the 6.9-hectare housing site in Balubal expected to accommodate 967 beneficiaries.

Emano said the 500 houses were committed by a Japanese civil organization after its representatives came to Cagayan de Oro City last month to find out status of the city’s relocation and housing projects for the poor and indigents.

The Japanese representatives also took notice of the successful relocation and rehabilitation sites of more than 8,000 victims of typhoon Sendong last December 2011, Emano added.

According to Emano, all victims, including those who were only renters of houses swept by the raging flood waters during the typhoon Sendong, were also given free houses and lots.

The Balubal Social Housing Project was developed for distribution to families living in hazardous areas such as earthquake and flood prone areas in the city, Emano said.

He said the Japanese civic organization has volunteered to commit free 500 prefab houses to be distributed the beneficiaries here. CD

An aviation worker died in a road mishap

LUMBIA AIRPORT, Cagay- based in the Lumbia airport an de Oro City – A worker of here died in a motorcycle the Civil Aviation Authority accident Thursday morning. of the Philippines (CAAP) worker | page 10

Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez is joined by Barangay Tablon officials in laying in laying cement in this ground breaking ceremony for the farm to market road concreting project that cost P5.5 million at Sitio Palalan, Barangay Tablon. In photo are: Barangay chair Romeo Bacarro, Kagawads Dilly Kit Auza, Angelo Pomar and Virgelio Agus.

Alagar to rate police performance

By CRIS DIAZ, Associate Editor

CAMP AL AGAR , C agayan de Oro City– The regional police command here would soon conduct ass essment of crime pre vention p erformance of all police units in the cities and provinces in the region, a p olice of f icer said Thurs day.

Pol i c e Supt . R on n i e C ar i ag a , sp oke sp e rs on of the PNP region 10 p olice command, said the re g i ona l p ol i c e of f i c e has re c e ive d re p or t s of p o or p ol i c e e n forc e me nt s i n v ar i ous re g i ona l cities here.

Cariaga cited unsolved robber y and hold up cas es that to ok place almost twice daily in

C agayan de Oro City.

Robb er y and hold up cas es als o o cc urred in Iligan City in L anao del Nor te and in various cities and municipal towns of Bukidnon.

Regional Police Direc tor C atalino Ro driguez was f r ustrated of the ineptness of lo cal law enforcers in r unning after criminals in the region, C ariaga said.

He said a regional assessment would determine laps es and identif y caus es of law enforcement failures in the areas concerned.

C ariago said that relief orders would b e extended to provincial and city police commanders w ho would fail in the ass essment test. CD

Caraga Region

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SO. COTABATO l N. COTABATO l SULTAN KUDARATl SARANGGANI l GEN. SANTOS

friday | march 15, 2013 Editor: JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA Asst editor: ARJAY S. FELICILDA • Email: msbmdn@yahoo.com.ph Editorial : mindanaodailynews@gmail.com Advertising : mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com

DAR turns over P6M implements to farmers AGUSAN del Norte - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte will turnover more than P6 million worth of modern farm implements to two Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs), March 20, this year.

This, in line with the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) program.

“The implementation of ARCCESS will contribute significantly in transforming agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) into viable

entrepreneurs resulting in poverty reduction in the rural areas,” said Andre B. Atega, DAR OIC assistant regional director and concurrent PARO II. According to ARCCESS Program Coordinator Raul N. Hermoso, the farm equipment comprising

eight hand tractors with implements, four cultivator power tillers, five thresher (jeep-mounted), one combined harvester and two hauling trucks, were requested by the farmers.

“Such will be handed-over to the Tagabaca

Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Baliguian Irrigators Association, whose approved projects are the Tagabaca Grains Center and Integrated Rice Production and Marketing, respectively,” Mr. Hermoso said.

Expected to benefit

thousands of farmers in the area, the program is in response to the mandate of Republic Act 9700 that provides subsidies to agrarian reform beneficiaries. (NCLM/Gil E. Miranda/DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte/arjaysfelicilda)

Cop shot dead over land conflict

By SPO1 Philip Amer P Mazo

CAMP Rodriguez, Butuan City - A policeman assigned at the Butuan City Police Office died on-thespot when shot by a man he was confronting over a land conflict at Purok 14, Barangay Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, morning of March 12, this year.

Police investigators identified the victim as SPO3 Jeorge Salina Galdiano of Purok 8A, Poblacion Sibagat, while the alleged assailant was Giljean Villanueva of Purok 14, same town.

A bystander, Nueve D. Baniada, was hit by a

stray bullet in the shoulder, prompting the authorities to submit her for treatment at the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital in Patin-ay, Prosperidad town.

Police records show, Galdiano and Villanueva were into a fist fight before the shooting incident. The victim sustained several gunshot woulds.

Galdiano’s remains now lie-in-state at St. Peter Funeral Homes here in the city, while Villanueva surrendered with the firearm, a caliber 9mm Berza pistol, to the Sibagat Municipal Police Statin. (PAPM/ MMG/asf )

Bank employee loses cash to robbers

By PO3 Darlin Cabalinan-Migullas

CAMP Rodriguez, Butuan City - A 32-year old rural bank development officer was held-up by three unidentified persons at Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, March 11, this year.

The victim, Riza Mae B. Nazareno, single and a resident of Brgy Quirino, Madrid town was reportedly on her way to Barangay Sta. Cruz board her motorcycle

when the crime took place.

She lost P13,000 and documents to the perpetrators, who subsequently fled to the mountainous part of the town.

Investigation is being conducted by the police to identify and apprehend the culprits. (PO3 Darlin Cabalinan-Migullas, PRO13 Info Office Duty PNCO and MinPressDev Member/ MMGasf )

JOINT PRESSCON - Commission on Human Rights (CHR-Caraga Director Marylin Pintor (center), who chairs the regional Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC), points out that the the committee is active in conducting activities toward resolving issues and concerns pertaining to women and children protection in the region. Also in photo are National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-Caraga) Director Carmencita Cochingco and Police Senior Insp. Venus Nelmida of PNP-Caraga. (Jennifer P. Gaitano, PIA-Caraga/arjaysfelicilda)

Cop nabs drug ‘vendor’

By SPO1 Philip Amer P Mazo

CAMP Rodriguez, Butuan City - A police officer, on way home aboard his motorcycle, nabbed a 21-year old ‘shabu’ dealer, afternoon of March 12, this year, at Purok 2, Barangay 16,

DAR to give P6M farm equipment to soil tillers

Ong Yiu, this city.

PO1 Allan Dimasar Laut of the 13th RPSB Bit-os Patrol Base incidentally saw the suspect, Ronquillo Burdeos Ago, 21 years old, a resident same place, in act of selling ‘shabu’ to a customer.

While PO1 Laut was accosting Ago, the alleged customer managed to leave and evaded arrest.

Taken from Ago’s possession were two small sachets of ‘shabu’, one partiallydamaged Nokia N1208 and Php225.00 cash.

He is now placed under the custody of the Butuan City Police Station 2 for proper disposition, while a case for Violation of Section II, Article 11 RA 9165 is being prepared against the suspect. (PAPM/MMG/ arjaysfelicilda)

By Pat Samonte

BUTUAN CITY – A thousand soil tillers in Agusan del Norte will receive more than P6-million worth of modern farm equipment and implements from the Department of Agrarian Reform.

This was gathered from DAR-Agusan del Norte public information officer Gil Miranda who said the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) was set to release the farm equipment as requested by two agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) third week of March, 2013.

ARCCESS program coordinator Raul Hermoso

said the farm equipment included eight hand tractors, four cultivators for power tillers, five jeepmounted threshers, a combined harvester and two hauling trucks.

According to Hermoso, “As requested in their proposed projects, the equipment and farm implements will be turned over to Tagabaca Multi-purpose Cooperative (TMPC) at Tagabaca Agrarian Reform Community and Baleguian Irrigators Association (BIA) at Cuyago, Libas, Maraiging, Bangonay, Baleguian and Beltran, Jabonga town Agrarian Reform Community (CLIMBBB ARC).

Miranda said the Tagab-

aca MPC sought ARCCESS assistance for its grains center project, while the Baliguian Irrigators Association requested help for its Integrated Rice Production and Marketing project.

He said the equipment were grants to the two agrarian reform beneficiary organizations to benefit an estimated 1,000 farmers.

DAR-Caraga OIC Assistant Regional Director for Operation and concurrent Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Andre Atega said the ARCCESS assistance “will significantly contribute in improving further the lives of the beneficiaries by transforming them into viable entrepreneurs.”

POWER 2 SESSION - Atty. Cynthia Perez-Alabanza (left), spokesperson/adviser for External Affairs of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), emphasizes that energy demand every year is not static, that is why there is a need for more investments in the country to sustain and serve more consumers in the coming years.

Also in photo is Engr. Fernando Javier (right) NGCP Mindanao Systems Planning Division Chief. (Jennifer P. Gaitano, PIA-Caraga/asf)

thursday | march 14, 2013 Editor: JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA Asst editor: ARJAY S. FELICILDA • Email: msbmdn@yahoo.com.ph Editorial : mindanaodailynews@gmail.com Advertising : mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com

Soccsksargen

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SO. COTABATO l N. COTABATO l SULTAN KUDARATl SARANGGANI l GEN. SANTOS CITY

GSIS increases minimum pension GENERAL Santos City - All old-age and disability pensioners of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) who were receiving less than P5,000 is now receiving the new monthly minimum pension of P5,000, according to GSIS Trustee Mario J. Aguja during a forum on GSIS Reforms and Initiatives on March 11, 2013 in Gen. Santos City.

Among the information officers and media practitioners in attendance, Aguja stressed that this is only one among the many initiatives undertaken by the new GSIS Board with their commitment for a ‘more Aside from the increased pension, GSIS also revoked the personal appearance requirement for pensioners.

Instead, they now part-

ner with the National Statistics Office to determine status of members.

To make services more accessible, GSIS is deploying 500 additional GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) Kiosks in the country.

Survivorship pensioners who were previously denied of their benefits because of gainful employment (earning P7,575 equivalent to

Salary Grade 1, Step 1) can now receive monthly pension. According to Aguja, more than 6,000 surviving spouses whose pensions have been stopped since August 2009 benefitted from the new survivorship policy.

Moreover, interest rate on emergency loans was reduced to 6%, ser vice fee was waived, and grace period for payment of the first amortization was extended to three months.

Other initiatives include: renewed partnership with LandBank as additional service bank; relaxed the policy on the 4-year prescription period for survivorship benefit; revived the payment of proportionate pension; rationalized the home lending program; enhanced scholarship program; increased minimum pension to P5,000; settlement of ceso J. Alcala had awarded claims of Paz Memorial a special citation to the plan holders; etc. provincial government of South Cotabato for topping the implementation of MRDP-2 projects in the last two years in the entire Mindanao.

Alcala said that for this year, DA has allotted another P6 billion for the implementation of additional projects under the program.

He added that such funding was on top of the agency’s appropriation for its priority initiatives in Mindanao this year that accounts for 38 to 40 percent of DA’s P76-billion budget for 2013.

Under the MRDP-2, the national government has allotted some P240 million for the implementation of various community-based projects in Region 12.

North Cotabato received an allotment of P80 million followed by South Cotabato with P60 million, Sarangani with P45 million and Sultan Kudarat with P37.5 million.

The program so far benefited 771 cooperatives, people’s organizations and farmer associations in the region.

MRDP is a poverty alleviation initiative funded by the World Bank and the national government through the DA with the LGUs providing an equity share. The program seeks to further improve rural incomes and achieve food security through agrifisheries infrastructure, livelihood enterprise, and biodiversity conservation projects. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/LMSalvo-DA 12/asf )

Soccsksargen Region top in MRDP projects

By Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL City - Of the six regions in Mindanao, Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 has emerged as the top implementer of various development projects under the Department of Agriculture’s Mindanao Rural Development Program–Adaptable Program Loan Phase 2 (MRDP-2).

Based on MRDP-2’s yearend evaluation and assessment, ratings indicated that the four provinces of the region were the program’s top performers so far in terms of project implementation and funds disbursements.

Soccsksargen Region is comprised of the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

South Cotabato was adjudged as the best provincial local government unit in the implementation of MRDP projects. This after the province recorded an accomplishment rating of 129 percent ranking, the highest among 26 provinces in Mindanao.

Sultan Kudarat posted an accomplishment rating

of 83 percent followed by North Cotabato with 68 percent and Sarangani with 55 percent.

In an interview, South C otabato Gov. Arthur “Dodo” Pingoy Jr. revealed that from the province’s original target of P60 million, it was able to implement a total of P77.5 million worth of projects in 10 localities in the area.

He a d d e d t h at t h e program had served 174 people’s organizations, cooperatives and associations in the province from in the last two years.

“We have received this citation because of our unique management strategy, and that is implementing the projects beyond politics,” he said.

With this excellent performance, South Cotabato will also serve as the pilot area for a bigger and wider Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) which is set to kick-off this year.

During the DA Region 12’s “Ulat sa Bayan” and “Farmers Hearts Day” celebration held at its regional station in Barangay Bololmala in Tupi town on February 11, Secretary Pro-

The new GSIS Board a ls o prop os es for t he amendment of R.A. 8291 or the GSIS Act of 1997 to allow single members to designate beneficiary before age 50; remove remarriage and cohabitation as basis for cancellation of survivorship benefits; give members option to continue membership beyond age 65; provide members with an option to claim separation benefit before age 60; increase funeral benefit from P20,000 to P30,000; and for provision

on members' rights.

“We are also actively conducting pre-retirement counseling seminars to assist members in computing lump-sum and pensions, modes of retirement, and even investment possibilities” said GSIS Gen. Santos Manager Deity Manampan.

GSIS Dialogues are being conducted nationwide to disseminate information on the agency’s new reforms. GSIS now has at least 1.7 million members across the country. (Jezereel C. Billano/arjaysfelicilda)

Opinion

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ALLAN M. MEDIANTE

RUEL V. PELONE

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Member: Philippine Press Institute

THINK a minute.

Did getting married solve all your problems and make you completely happy?

Did you know that it’s not supposed to! In fact, if you’re not a happy person before you get married, then you’ll still be unhappy after you’re married.

In marriage, two people come together and combine not just their strengths and assets, but also their problems.

S o married life can become even more complicated.

Someone said: “Marriage is like getting a phone call at midnight: first you get a ring, then you wake up!”

So when marriage does not fix our problems, many of us blame marriage or our spouse.

We think that changing

Think A Minute Jhan Tiafau Hurst our spouse or outward circumstances is going to solve our problems, including our marriage problems.

So we get a better job, more money, a nicer house, e ven move to another country. But the problem is: wherever you go, there you are!

Even if you get a different wife or husband, a different job, or a new house, the person you are inside is still the same.

Many unhappy marriages may stay together

under the same roof, but they actually live separate lives.

They’re like “married singles:” he does his thing, and she goes her way. So their marriage becomes just a financial arrangement with no real love, c om mu n i c at i on , cl o s e friendship and happiness.

But until we stop blaming our wife or husband, or our outward circumstances and we ourselves change, our marriage and life won’t change either.

As one wise man put it:

“No clever arrangement of bad eggs ever made a good omelet.”

A good omelet can only come from good eggs. And a good, satisfying marriage can only come from two giving people who love, accept, and put the other one’s needs first before their own.

I cannot change my spouse’s personality and ways, and neither can you change yours. But if you let Jesus Christ start changing you first, then after some time your wife or husband may also want to start changing.

So why not be the first one in your marriage to say these words and really mean them from your heart: “Lord, please change my marriage into a happy, satisfying one. And start by changing me first.”

Just Think a Minute.

Stashing away with ‘cash’ at the capitol

GOVERNOR Oscar Moreno of Misamis Oriental wants it to appear that he has nothing to do with the cash advances at the provincial capitol.

He wants to make it appear that the previous administrations should be held liable for cash advances that remained unsettled during his term.

It is Moreno’s prerogative to defend himself from public criticism out of the unsettled cash advances during Cris Diaz his term. However, it is also the right of the public to get into the crux of the matter since the funds involved taxpayers’ money. Nevertheless, any attempt to get the truth about Moreno’s cash advances could not be done unless the policy of transparency is adopted at the provincial capitol.

Most members of the press want to have first hand information about Moreno’s cash advances. It appears ‘though that only selected members of the press have access to “manicured” information at the provincial capitol – the issue of cash advances included.

This scenario takes place at the Capitol as many complaints of Moreno’s propensity of labeling “for or against“ supporters of his administration. Obviously, some members of the press had marked on their foreheads as “anti or pro” Moreno.

Perhaps, thus the reason of an existing wedge among members of the local press where some colleagues became victims of invented accusations. Whoever has

advanced this policy, Moreno would certainly deny knowledge or allowing the same.

However, some members of the press complained that Moreno would not entertain an interview with any member of the press believed critical to his administration. Certainly, Moreno would want the press to paint a good picture of himself and his administration. Definitely, Moreno knows that only the subservient press would succumb to his whims.

A radio reporter once complained that Moreno shoved him away when he tried to interview him live in the provincial capitol. Moreno complained that he would not allow an interview by a radio reporter of radio station critical to him and his administration.

Could anyone blame the radio reporter of getting reports – good or bad – about the provincial Capitol without Moreno’s side?

We wrote about this since the public is not given the right information about Moreno’s unsettled cash advances at the provincial capitol. The last time Moreno incurred some P29 million cash advances sometime in 2010. The liquidation of that cash advances was under “intelligence fund” which was directly submitted to the Commissions on Audit in Manila.

The public did not know whether the COA admitted the liquidation papers. What the public learned, instead, was that a top COA official at that time was Moreno’s classmate in college. If one could read between the lines, the P193 million cash advances would certainly vanish in thin air. React crisguardian@yahoo.com

Rep. Palmones urges ‘solar panel farms’ LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose…”

(Romans 8:28, the Holy Bible).

-oooNEED TO SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR OFFICE OR HOME? Is there anyone out there wanting to see everything that is happening in your homes and offices, no matter where you maybe in the world? Or, would you want to record each and every event, so you can review them later? All these can be made possible now, with the use of high tech devices such as iPhones and Android gadgets. You can call me if you wish to see how these devices work,

Kakampi mo ang batas Atty. Batas Mauricio at 0917 984 24 68.

-oooREP. PALMONES TO PNOY: PUT UP SOLAR PANEL FARMS NOW: Agham Party list Rep. Angelo Palmones is urging the Aquino government to immediately implement his proposal to establish “solar panel farms” in Mindanao as an alternative means of generating power and electricity, to prevent a repetition of the debilitating eight to 12 hour brown-outs

which hit many areas in the region last year.

In an interview with ne wspap er columnistbroadcaster Alvin Capino at the program “Karambola” of DWIZ, 882 khz., the flagship station of Aliw Broadcasting Corporation, Thursday, March 14, 2013, Palmones explained that “solar panel farms” could be the government’s best bet against brown-outs and acute power shortage in Southern Philippines, for

a number of reasons.

Palmones, himself a former media man who was the station manager of radio station DZMM of ABS CBN before becoming a party list congressman in 2010, said “solar panel farms” is the most expeditious means of generating electricity by installing solar panels in a wide area to absorb the sun’s rays as a source of energy for generating electricity or heating.

-oooSOLAR PANEL FARMS UNDER BOT SCHEME: And, although installing solar panels would in fact be very expensive, Palmones said the Philippine government need not spend even a single centavo for this proposed project, farms | page 10

Opinion

friday | march 15, 2013

Editor: RUEL V. PELONE Email: ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com Editorial. : mindanaodailynews@gmail.com • Advertising : mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com

A deeper view Jesse E.L. Bacon II AFTER almost three years in office, the Aquino administration at this point should have metamorphosed into an effective, well-oiled machinery for governance but unfortunately all expectations toward this end remains just a wish even up to today.

The mishandling by the Aquino administration of the looming power crisis in Mindanao, the administration’s miscalculations about the Sabah standoff that eventually turned into a bloody armed confrontation and the lackadaisical vetting by the presidential staff of two appointees to the Commission on Elections who ended up begging off from their appointments are just three of the more pronounced bungling of presidential duties and responsibilities.

The looming power crisis in Mindanao is not something that happened overnight. It became a problem of crisis proportion only when the Aquino administration held itself

for inexplicable reasons from doing anything to avert it. The problem was already there last year yet but nothing concrete was ever undertaken to totally prevent it from becoming into a crisis.

From being a caterpillar metamorphosing into a beautiful butterfly, the exact opposite was what happened as far as this problem is concerned. From being just a problem, it is now a full-blown crisis of gigantic proprtions. In fact, several places in Mindanao are now experiencing rotating brownouts because of the current shortage in power supply to meet the entire island’s needs.

If the Aquino administration just rallied everyone from the local government units to the congressmen to pool whatever resources they may have to address this looming crisis, this problem would have been licked in the nick of time.

This is what governance, what leadership is all about.

It is to harness all available

7

Lackadaisical governance resources for the benefit of the majority of the people.

And like the Sabah standoff between the min-

iscule number of the Sulu sultanate’s royal army and the Malaysian authorities, it should not have turned

into a bloody mess had ing with the problem. Its the Aquino administration miserable handling of the just displayed high level standoff just resulted in its of statesmanship in deal- GOVERNANCE | page 11

8

Developments

friday | march 15, 2013

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MSI-ECS bags 2 major Acer Distributor Awards During the 6th Annual Acer ePinnacle Awards held last February 19, 2013 at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City, MSI-ECS has again demonstrated its leadership when it clinched 2 major distributor awards from Acer, namely Distributor of the Year Award for Acer Notebook, Consumer Market and Distributor of the Year Award

for Acer Projector, Consumer Market for FY 2012.

Below (L-R) Wilhem Uy, senior sales manager, Consumer Cccounts, Acer Philippines; Diogenes Vasquez, product management head, Acer Philippines; Heman Syki, product manager, Acer Consumer, Notebooks and Projectors, MSI-ECS Phils, Inc. who was also accorded

the Product Manager of the Year Award; Princess Chua, general manager, MSI-ECS Phils, Inc.; Joanne Mañalac, AVP sales & marketing PC & server B, MSI-ECS Phils, Inc.; Manuel Wong, country general manager, Acer Philippines and Agnes Neria-Espino, sales and marketing director, Acer Philippines.

Acer Philippines' rewards MSI-ECS with 3 (three) distinct awards during its ePinnacle event.

BPI pushes agribusiness dev’t in Luzon, Mindanao Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is betting heavily on agriculture this year and is increasing its involvement in the sector by launching a loan program designed to benefit livestock raisers in Central and North Luzon and in the expanding business corridors in Mindanao like Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Gen. Santos.

Through its BPI Agribusiness Solutions, the bank has crafted a program that would support commercial poultry raisers and hog farmers. For starters, the bank formally launched BPI Agribusiness Solutions last March 8, at the Holiday Inn at Clark, with Executive Vice President and Corporate Banking Group head Alfonso "Yogi" Salcedo Jr. holding a media briefing and presenting an overview of the program, along with Senior Vice President Reymundo “Budong” SL Castro, assistant vice president Pearl Padilla.

Andrew Bateson of Genus Pig Improvement Co. (Genus PIC) talked about "Genus PIC, Helping Nourish the World" followed by Vincent Borromeo, who discussed "World-class Pig Production in the Philippines."

BPI also brought along its experts in Sustainable Energy Finance, which is expected to show that agribusiness companies can use farm waste as

At the launch of BPI Agribusiness Solutions, from left to right: BPI SVP and Head of Provincial Lending Reymundo SL Castro, PIC Philippines, Inc. General Manager Vincent Raphael M. Borromeo, BPI EVP and Corporate Banking Group Head Alfonso “Yogi” Salcedo Jr. and BPI AVP and Head of Agribusiness Pearl Padilla.

energy source and thus reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.

Technical lectures on livestock production and poultry management capped the event.

The agriculture sector is highly important for the Philippines as it promotes food security. Agriculture promises to be the key to alleviate poverty among millions of Filipinos who depend on farming and livestock raising. A stronger agri sector is needed to sustain growth and food sufficiency," BPI said.

BPI stressed that a strong participation in agribusiness development is part of its contribution to the government’s efforts aimed at inclusive growth through its BPI Agribusiness Solutions.

This is BPI’s way of helping finance agribusiness ventures which are predominantly at the countryside and therefore help in wealth distribution as agribusinesses employ less skilled workers in the provincial areas.

What compelled BPI to launch its agribusiness cam-

paign this year is its strong belief that the Philippines will be a big player in the livestock industry in Southeast Asia, noting that the country is free of the dreaded food-and-mouth disease (FMD) that has been the bane of cattle raisers in the region.

Moreover, the Philippine poultry industry has been free from the equally lethal bird flu virus that had been decimating the stocks of chicken and duck raisers in mainland Asia with virulent regularity.

BPI also noted that agriculture has contributed 12.3 % percent or P11.9 billion of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2011.

The labor force in agriculture is 13 million, or 35 percent out of the total labor force of 37 million.

"BPI Agribusiness Solutions currently lends primarily to piggery, poultry and also finances other agri-related businesses like fish production, fruits, vegetable and crop production, post-harvest operations and food process-

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10 Issues... from page 1

big as you want. No limit when it comes to sizes,” he said.

Gutierrez said among the candidates included in the “Team Ayaw” or those who oppose the open-pit mining and coal plant projects are South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr., South Cotabato (2nd District) Rep. Daisy Avance-Fuentes, Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel, Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel Pacquiao and Sarangani Vice Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon.

He did not name the candidates that will be included in the “Team Pabor” or those who favor the two projects.

Pacquiao and Solon, who were running unopposed as representative and governor of Sarangani, respectively, have opposed the ongoing construction of the SEC’s 200-megawatt (MW) coal plant in the coastal village of Kamanga in Maasim town.

The US$ 450-million power plant, which is due for completion by the end of 2015, is a joint venture between the Alcantara Group’s Conal Holdings Corporation and Thailand’s Electricity Generating Public Company Limited.

Pingoy and Fuentes, who are both running for governor of South Cotabato, have repeatedly disclosed in public their opposition to SMI’s open-pit mining project.

While in her last term as governor in 2010, Fuentes signed the province’s environment code that included a provision banning openpit mining in the area.

Pingoy, who succeeded Fuentes, implemented the open-pit ban and stood behind it amid calls for its withdrawal by the national government.

Mayor Miguel, who is seeking reelection, is also supporting the open-pit ban.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje issued last month a conditional environmental compliance certificate or ECC to SMI despite the standing ban on open-pit mining.

The open-pit ban was the main reason for the DENR’s denial in January last year of SMI’s application for ECC. SMI, which is controlled by world’s fourth largest copper producer Xstrata Copper, had disclosed that it would employ the controversial open-pit mining method for its operations, a move vehemently opposed by local environmental groups and Roman Catholic Church. (Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews)

Opening... from page 1

civil society groups led by the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber) who have repeatedly stressed their opposition to the April 30 date since it would be conducted under "Visual

friday | march 15, 2013

Editorial. : mindanaodailynews@gmail.com Advertising : mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Flight Rules" (VFR) and substantially cut the number of existing flights (up to 70%) now being served by the Lumbia Airport.

However, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) assured last Tuesday civil aviation will be safe even with VFR when landing in Laguindingan which will only have a visibility threshold of 200 meters compared to the 1,500 meters needed for Lumbia Airport because of the latter's elevation which makes it subject to closure in inclement weather.

Engr. Raul Glorioso, CAAP vice chair, also assured the number of flights now being served by Lumbia will be matched by Laguindingan when it opens on April 30 even if CAAP will only allow it to operate up to 6PM compared to 10PM for Lumbia.

During his last visit to the city, Pres. Aquino said government is pushing through with the opening of the airport on April 30 to help relieve congestion at the NAIA. Civil aviation currently based in NAIA will be moved to the Sangley air force base with the Phil. Air Force's 15th Strike Wing moving to Lumbia and domestic airline operations moving to Laguindingan.

"We have to help the problem in Manila and not wait for accidents to happen," said Gov. Oscar S. Moreno, chair of the RDCX Special Committee on LADP, during a recent radio interview. " However, it is civil society's prerogative to air their concerns and reservations which are valid and I'm sure the Dept. of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will consult them to arrive at a consensus that's acceptable to everyone."

For the March 15 meeting, LADP Project Management Office Project Manager Engr. Edgardo J. Mangalili will present updates on the LADP's civil works, the controversial air navigation system and support facilities, operations and maintnance, and the airport's readiness for the proposed April 30 opening.

The committee will also discuss the allied projects as follows: power supply (Engr. Julie Real, General Manager, MORESCO-1), water supply (Laguindingan Mayor Oliver L. Ubaub, chair, subcommittee on land use and environment; proposed Laguindingan Seaport (Atty. Edgar C. Pilar, PPA Northern Mindanao District Manager); CIC Road Widening and Upgrading and other major road projects leading to the airport (RD Evelyn T. Barroso, DPWHX); commuication facilities (RD Teodoro D. Buenavista, NTC-X); transport facilities (jeepney, taxi, shuttle bus, etc) to and from the airport (RD Mandangan P. Darimbang, LTFRB-X) and airport security (P/Chief Supt. Catalino B. Rodriguez, PNP-X).

Mayor Ubaub will also

render another report on updates of the action plan of the Subcommittee on Land Use and Environment (A-Gi-La Cluster and Integrated Bus Terminal) while DTI-X RD Linda O. Boniao will report on updates on the Action Plan of the Subcommittee on Investment Promotion, Tourism and Employment.

A guided ocular inspection of the airport and its facilities will immediately follow the meeting.

Pension... from page 1

requirement of indigent senior citizens.

Fortun said that since senior citizens have become less productive owing to their advanced age and poor health, they should be entitled to more government assistance. He vowed to study the law further, and find ways to improve it in terms of providing more benefits to senior citizens.

The law provides for a socialized pension and mandatory Philhealth coverage for indigent senior citizens.

As determined by DSWD, indigent senior citizens are entitled to a monthly stipend of P500 to augment their daily subsistence and medical needs.

Grid... from page 1

and accessories at the Compostela substation.

With an estimated project cost of Php221.15M, the project is set to be completed by the end of May 2013.

This increase in substation capacity is expected to strengthen the Leyte-Cebu 230-kiloVolt (kV) Interconnection System linked to the Visayas Transmission Backbone. The bulk of power coming from the Leyte Geothermal Plants passes through the Compostela Substation then delivered to the Cebu, Negros and Panay sub-grids.

NGCP is a privately owned cor p oration in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country's power grid.

It transmits high-voltage electricity through "power superhighways" that include the interconnected system of transmission lines and towers, substations and related assets. NGCP's regular maintenance activities, expansion and upgrading projects aim to enhance the reliability and quality of electricity delivered to grid-connected customers like generators, distributors, and large industries.

Price... from page 1

Mind aNe ws on t he phone.

Kader said that the committee is continuously negotiating for access to Sabah for traders of consumer goods to supply the needs of Tawi-Tawi residents.

Trade activities between Tawi-Tawi and Sabah have been cut following clashes that erupted on March 1

between Malaysian forces and the armed followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III. Kiram’s followers landed in Lahad Datu in Sabah in the second week of February to assert the claim of the Sulu Sultanate’s to the area.

Kader said that the National Food Authority has enough rice stocks in Tawi-Tawi to beef up the dwindling supply of the commodity.

“There is no shortage of food yet in the area. Ensuring enough food supplies for the consumers, aside from regulating the prices of basic commodities, is among the things the crisis committee is working out,” she noted.

Her pronouncement contradicted that of Tawi-Tawi Assemblywoman Dayang Carlsum Sangkula-Jumaide, who said on March 5 that the province was suffering from shortage of commodities.

Jumaide placed the impact of the Sabah crisis to the economic activities in the province at 60 to 70 percent.

“Our traders in TawiTawi could no longer buy consumer goods in Sabah and those in Sabah could not bring their supplies here,” she said then.

Jumaide pointed out that 80 percent of the consumer goods traded in Tawi-Tawi comes from neighboring Sabah because of their proximity, and that the trade exchange between the two areas have been around for many decades already.

The products bought in Sabah and traded in TawiTawi include rice, sugar, cooking oil, noodles, soap, lotion and perfumes.

Jumaide particularly cited the spike in the price of diesel that rose to P75 to P80 per liter from P30 to P40 before.

Fresh wave of evacuees Kader said that some 500 individuals had arrived in Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday to escape the tension in Sabah but this is still subject for verification.

She noted that DSWDARRM is having difficulties establishing the exact number of evacuees since they “would arrive on their own, land in different islands of the province, with some just numbering about five passengers in a small banca.”

Kader appealed to the local government units in accounting the refugees to help the government provide them with food assistance.

Since March 5, she said that Filipino civilians fleeing Sabah “would reportedly arrive in batches of 300 to 400 individuals.”

But so far, Kader said that DSWD-ARMM has documented only 1,079 evacuees in Tawi-Tawi and that their situation remains manageable, with assistance coming from the national, regional and provincial governments.

On Tuesday, Malaysia granted the Philippine government access to Sabah, where an estimated 800,000

Filipinos have been living.

Kader said that the regional government is continuing negotiations for its team to gain access to the towns of Lahad Datu, Tawau and Semporna.

Tawi-Tawi belongs to the ARMM, which also groups the island-provinces of Basilan and Sulu, and inland Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. (Bong Sarmiento/ MindaNews)

Awards... from page 1

Jetti, represented by its CEO Mr. Joselito Tibayan Magalona. In 2011 Jetti ranked second.

Mangaoang said the district office of the Bureau of Customs was able to increase its collection and reach the target with the dues and taxes collected from the importers.

Some of the regions top importers have included Del Monte, Nestle and Steag.

Mangaoang called on other big companies to use also the ports under the bureau.

“We invite UKC, Gaisano and Ororama to use these ports and we will facilitate the importations,” she said.

“We will give better services,” she added.

Jetti imports about one shipload of oil products a week and pays some P100million for its dues and taxes.

Chamber of Customs Brokers Cagayan de Oro Chapter past president Dario C. Amolata said Jetti pays the exact amounts for each volume of shipment.

Amolata said the oil comes from Jetti’s suppliers including one from Singapore.

He added that Jetti could remain the top importer in the coming years especially if the company expands its operations in Mindanao.

Atty. Mangaoang was assisted in the awarding of the top 10 importers by Atty. Javiuer C. Alpano, Atty.

Roswald Joseph J. Pague, Datu Samson R. Pacasum and deputy collector for administration Marvin B. Mison.

Last February, the Bureau of Customs also awarded the top importers of the country for 2012.

Farms... from page 6

explaining that this could be easily pursued under the so-called “BOT” or “buildoperate-transfer” scheme, already enshrined in the Philippines under Republic Act 7718.

Under the BOT system, Palmones said, an interested businessman or a group of investors could be tapped to bankroll and spend for the installation of the panels and, later on, to recover their investment by selling electricity or power generated by the panels at a minimum cost to the public.

This is actually a system that has been successfully implemented in many other government projects, notably highways

and expressways. I believe that the government owes it not only to Palmones and the Agham Party List (number 95 in the ballot for the May 2013 polls), but to the citizens of Mindanao more particularly and to all Filipinos in general, to give this proposal a serious thought.

-oooS O L A R E N E R G Y, CLEAN, RENEWABLE: In an article about “solar panel farms” which can be accessed at http://greenliving.nationalgeographic. com/information-solarpanel-farms-2605.html, National Geographic said: “Solar farms are large collections of interconnected solar panels that work together to capture sunlight and turn it into electricity on a grand scale. Some are government-owned, like the one at Nevada’s Nellis Air Force Base, while others are privately owned…

“Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy source, and large solar farms produce enough energy to provide clean energy to buildings that don’t have their own solar-energy systems.

Solar farms thus reduce the need for nonrenewable energy sources to power the grid…”

-oooREACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 43 96.

Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com., mmauriciojr111@ gmail.com

Worker... from page 3

Police identified the victim as Antonio Reyes, 40, who died in a motorcycle crash while on his way to work at the Lumbia airport Thursday morning.

Initial investigation disclosed the Reyes was reportedly racing his motorcycle at breakneck speed overtaking taxi cabs on his way to the Lumbia airport when the accident occurred.

Police said Reyes motorcycle caught the side of an incoming passenger jitney after overtaking a taxi cab prompting his bike to crash hard on the concrete highway.

Reyes headgear crumbled into pieces – some fatally penetrated his head and neck – which resulted in his death.

Police said the victim was alone on his bike since his wife took a passenger jitney in reporting to work Thursday morning.

Police has taken custody of Noel Hunayon, 43, the driver of the passenger jeep for investigation at the Lumbia Police station here. CD

11

friday | march 15, 2013

Editorial. : mindanaodailynews@gmail.com Advertising : mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com

Fortun wants age requisite for elderly lowered to get pension

In a press statement, Fortun said that under Republic Act No. 9994 BUTUAN City––Vice or the Expanded S enior Mayor L awrence Lemuel Citizens Act of 2010, indiFortun revealed if elected gent senior citizens aged Agusan del Norte First Dis- 77 years and above who are trict congressman in the sickly, frail or disabled, May, 2013 elections, he will and are not receiving any work for the lowering of pension or support from the age requirement for se- their families, are eligible nior citizens to be eligible to receive pension from the for government pension.

Department of S ocial WelBy PAT SAMONTE Correspondent

ergo except hardly neither once

from page 7

Yesterday’s Answer

of the same digit.

CROSSWORD puzzle

across 28. _Francis of Assisi 1. Recreational area 29. Plunges 4. Shines 30. Apply 9. Lifetime 31. Football team 10. Big cats 32. Antlered animal 11. Therefore DOWN 12. Round objects 1. Italian food 13. Father 2. Jn the past 14. Kung Fu__ 3. Musical note 15. Brown color 4. Radner the actress 16. Anchorage’s state 5. Woman in “Copaca 18. Grade bana” 19. Approve 6. PN rank 20. Aspire 7. Like 21. Agitate 8. Punish 22. Citrus fruit 10. Tall and thin 24. _.de.ap: Black Eyed 12. Fundamental Peas member 13. Group of judges 25. Type of disc 14. Laguna town 26. Lives 15. Narrow 27. Gambling game 17. Nooses

providing more benefits to senior citizens.

The law provides for a socialized pension and mandator y Philhealth coverage for indigent senior citizens. As determined by DSWD, indigent senior citizens are entitled to a monthly stipend of P500 to augment their daily subsistence and medical needs.

Governance...

How to play the game?

Fill in completely every rows, columns and diagonals of each puzzle without repitition

connective (1)

because before both directly either

of RA 9994 to lower the age requirement of indigent senior citizens.

Fortun said that since senior citizens have become less productive owing to their advanced age and poor health, they should be entitled to more government assistance.

He vowed to study the law further, and find ways to improve it in terms of

SUDOKU

CIRCLE A WORD afore after albeit also although

fare and Development.

“It deser ves deep thinking that under RA 9994, the definition of a senior citizen is when he or she reaches 60 years old, yet, the senior citizen only gets to enjoy socialized pension upon reaching the age of 77,” Fortun noted.

According to Fortun, he will work for amending some provisions

18. Verona lover 29. Emcees 21. Lift 22. Mass plate 23. External 25. Cherish 27. Tyler of LOTR 28. Compass pt.

29. Quijano_ Manila 30. Warrior’s school

becoming into an armed conflict.

If not for the fact that the Aquino administration appeared more convinced in siding with Malaysia’s position on the matter by threatening our compatriots involved in the standoff with charges harboring on the ridiculous, the standoff may not have become nasty. Such threatening act by the administration did not in any way displayed statesmanship on the part of President Aquino and his advisers.

The Sabah handling

by Aquino and the rest of his official family could never be considered as therapeutic; to borrow the language of mentally challenged patients. Since their handling was not therapeutic, it only exacerbated the problem instead of helping resolve the same in a very diplomatic and peaceful way.

The irony of the situation now is that while the Sultanate of Sulu looks at Malaysia at this point as their enemy, the Aquino administration is viewed by the latter as their enemy too. Their own government is their enemy because it is perceived by them as having aligned with Malaysia in their spat with the latter over Sabah.

But nothing can beat

the failure of the Palace functionaries to go over the appointments Aquino extended to former Lanao del Norte Rep. Macabangkit Lanto and lawyer Bernadette Sardillo that ended up in a fiasco. Both were forced to decline their appointments after the President personally announced his having appointed the two during a campaign sortie in Davao City.

Sardillo whose letter to Aquino declining acceptance of her appointment and which was received by the Palace even before the announcement of such appointment was made no less by the Preisdent cited family reasons for begging off.

Lanto, for his part, was forced to decline after media brought up his having been removed as congressman for election fraud charges. What made these twin incidents revolting is the fact that the Palace staff failed to do their part to spare the President from any embarrassment.

Could it be because the presidential staff took to heart that what they are running is simply just a student government hence their ineptness and inefficiency? If all these are not lackadaisical governance, then pray tell what is.

--(Reactions at jelbacon@ yahoo.com or at jelbaconii@gmail.com)

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Last year, we honored Mindanao’s homegrown businesses...

This year, let the Investors from outside the island who helped propel Mindanao’s economy for decades be recognized...thus,

present

RATIONALE OF THE PROJECT - This is the 2nd Mindanao Business Leaders Awards, in a different category from the first one. The 1st Mindanao Business Leaders Awards was undertaken last year to give due recognition to the achievements of various Mindanao business leaders and entrepreneurs in various categories of homegrown corporate and individual business leadership achievements.

- This year’s search is aimed at giving honor and recognition of excellent business leaders in the investors’s category.

- BusinessWeek Mindanao as a forerunner of information on economic leadership and entrepreneurial achievements of non-Mindanaoan corporations and businessmen, deems it a part of its social responsibility to trumpet the achievements of these pillars of Mindanao’s economy, for others to emulate and thus propel an awareness for the business potential that Mindanao offers in every economic and business investment plan, whether small or great.

-We are helping Mindanao achieve sustainable development of its economy through these humble efforts.

MISSION & VISION OF THE AWARDS - The holding of BWM Awards annually serves as catalyst to the ongoing efforts of business leaders and entrepreneurs who seek greater heights and strive for success in the noble mission of propelling Mindanao and its people towards full economic growth and sustainable development.

MECHANICS OF THE SEARCH: Duration of the Search Awards Night

: :

January 15, 2013 to May 15, 2013 June 1, 2013

Entry Requirements: 1. Individual and Company/Establishment nominations shall be accompanied with Nomination Forms available on-line at the Sponsors Website, offices of sponsors, or in the printed page of Businessweek Mindanao and Mindanao Daily issues or may be mailed, if requested, by the Awards Secretariat 2. Nominees or candidates in various categories shall be nominated by BusinessWeek Mindanao and Mindanao Daily Bureaus; individuals, organization or groups not employed by or connected to any of the nominated person or firm .

3. Nominations shall be accompanied by the ff documents which can be mailed, or emailed to the awards secretariat - MINDANAO BUSINESS LEADERS AWARDS 2013 Secretariat, Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa St., Cagayan de Oro City,not later than May 15, 2013.

4. Brief Resume and History of the Nominee (Individual or Firm) - Photos (at least 3) ; Nomination Form ; Documentary evidence such as certificates, awards or citations

For INQUIRIES CONTACT:

(088)856-3344, (08822)74-53-80 or 09274795196 (Allan Mediante) businessweekmindanao@gmail.com MEDIA PARTNERS: